Mercedes Shakes Market with €500M Bid for Max Verstappen! Jos Verstappen Issues Stern Warning to Red Bull Boss with 10 Words that Shocking many Fans
In a development that has sent seismic shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has reportedly launched an astronomical €500 million bid to secure the services of four-time World Champion Max Verstappen. This unprecedented offer, which would undoubtedly make Verstappen the highest-paid athlete in motorsport history, signals Mercedes’ aggressive intent to lure the Dutch superstar away from Red Bull Racing and re-establish their dominance in the sport, particularly with the looming 2026 regulation changes.

The colossal sum, rumored to be a comprehensive package encompassing salary, image rights, and performance bonuses, vastly overshadows any current driver contracts in Formula 1. It underscores Mercedes’ desperation to fill the void left by Lewis Hamilton’s departure to Ferrari and to secure a driver who can immediately compete for championships. The bid comes amidst lingering speculation about Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull, particularly after a challenging start to the 2025 season where Red Bull’s performance has been inconsistent.

Amidst these swirling rumors, Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, a pivotal figure in his son’s career, has reportedly issued a stern and direct warning to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. While the exact 10-word statement is being intensely scrutinized, it is understood to convey a stark message about Red Bull’s need to deliver a consistently competitive car and a stable environment, or risk losing their star driver. Jos Verstappen has previously stated that Max would consider leaving if winning races was no longer possible at Red Bull.

Jos Verstappen’s blunt assessment, delivered at such a critical juncture, has undoubtedly sent ripples of concern through the Red Bull camp and left many fans shocked by its directness. The extraordinary bid from Mercedes, coupled with the open warning from Max’s father, has created a volatile and captivating situation in the driver market. The coming weeks are expected to be dominated by speculation as Red Bull battles to retain its generational talent against an unprecedented financial assault from its fiercest rival.